Te Mata Bullnose Syrah

Expert Opinion

What our expert says

"One of Hawkes Bays standard bearers... this is a very stylish wine" Decanter, UK Canopy management: Vines are 2 cane vertically shoot positioned (VSP) 2000 plants/ha. Green harvest, hand thinned, hand leaf plucked, hand harvested 2.5 T/a with bunch sorting done in the vineyard and some berry sorting in the winery on a sorting table. Vine age: 20 years. Sandy loam over gravel sites.

Background

History

Peter Cowley. One of New Zealand's leading winemakers, Peter is a key figure in the development of Te Mata Estate's culture of wine excellence. Peter developed his interest in wine through restaurant work while a student. He completed a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) degree at Auckland University and then the Graduate Diploma in Wine from Roseworthy College, near Adelaide. He was awarded the inaugural Hazelgrove Scholarship which involved microbiology research projects at the Australian Wine Research Institute. After a vintage at the Rouge Homme Winery in Coonawarra, under John Vickery, Peter returned to New Zealand. Peter commenced work at Te Mata Estate in 1984 as the sole winemaker and has, over more than 20 years, overseen the creation of Te Mata's range of quality wines to the point that he is now responsible for all aspects of Te Mata's wine production, from vine to bottle. He is now Te Mata's Technical Director. Peter is a partner in both Te Mata Estate, and its Bullnose vineyard where he lives, with his wife Gail and their two children, James and Eden. Peter has been active as a Senior Wine Judge in Australasia since 1992 and describes himself as "a lover of old wines, old motorcycles and old girls."

Winemaking details

Peter Cowley.